By Abena RockcliffeIt seems as if the electorate would be deprived of the benefit of Presidential debates in the run up toAPNU+AFC’sDr. Rupert Roopnarinenext month’s General and Regional elections. This is because of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) refusal to partake in Prime Ministerial debates which is the coalition’s (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change) only requirement for its participation in the Presidential debates.Dr. Rupert Roopnarine of APNU+AFC told the media yesterday that the coalition is very much interested in participating in Presidential debates. However,
Cheap Jerseys From China, he said that the coalition also wants a Prime Ministerial debate.The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has undertaken to facilitate the holding of the Presidential debates and this was agreed upon by the two major political forces—PPP and APNU+AFC.Dr. Roopnarine told the media that the coalition met with the PSC and informed them that while APNU+AFC is enthused to participate in Presidential debates, such participation is based on the holding of Prime Ministerial debates.“We (APNU+AFC) will be happy to engage in Presidential debates,? but those debates must come after Prime Ministerial debates…but we haven’t heard from the promoters (PSC) of the debate as to whether this is something that has been accepted. We have said that we are prepared, providing that it (Presidential debates) is preceded by Prime Ministerial debates.”When asked if APNU+AFC would refrain completely from debates if Prime Ministerial debates arePSC Chairman,Ramesh Persaudnot on the table, Dr. Roopnarine responded with uncertainty.“What I can tell you is that if we get an answer that says there will be no Prime Ministerial debate then we will have to reconsider our participation in the Presidential debate. I don’t rule it out but it would present a new situation,
Cheap Jerseys Wholesale,” said Dr. Roopnarine.The politician said that APNU+AFC places a great deal of importance on the holding of Prime Ministerial debates as the importance and significance of the Prime Minister is also immense.“We must understand the importance of the Prime Minister…it is also a case of shared authority so we want to ensure that the Prime Ministerial candidates get a chance to express themselves,
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Discount NFL Jerseys, he indicated that the PPP has since signaled that it is not willing to partake in Prime Ministerial debates.Judging from what was conveyed by Persaud, little is known as to whether any of the debates will beAPNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Grangerheld. He said that APNU+AFC will now have to say if it will go ahead with the debates.Persaud also indicated that the Commission compiled a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and sent it to the PPP and APNU+AFC. He explained that the MOU is a draft and can be altered. But basically the present content of the MOU surrounds the rules of the debates, suggested venue, time frame and possible topics.Persaud refused to divulge further specifications on the MOU and said that he will not do so unless it has been signed by both parties.He noted that the only communication the PSC had with the political parties on this issue since the MOU was sent, was acknowledgment of receipt.Elections are to be held in 30 days.Guyana has been changing quite a few things on the political scene to match-up with the policies of certain developed countries.For instance, there have been amendments to the constitution barring a President from holding office for more than two terms.? That was patterned after the United States of America (USA).Debates are big as well in the USA whenever there are elections.During presidential elections in the United States, it has become customary for the main candidates (almost always the candidates of the two largest parties, currently the Democratic and the Republican Parties) to engage in debates. The topics discussed are often the most controversial issues of the time, and arguablyPPP Presidential Candidate,
Cheap Jerseys Online, Donald Ramotarelections have been nearly decided by these debates. Candidate debates are not constitutionally mandated,
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